UCLA Football: Why Josh Rosen may not be Chosen as Heisman winner

UCLA Football’s Josh Rosen has all the makings of a Heisman winning quarterback. However, his name is barely a whisper in the conversation. Let’s look at what it takes to be named the best player in college football.

Josh Rosen is arguably the most pro-ready quarterback in the NCAA, and it would come as no surprise to hear his name called first or second overall in the 2018 NFL Draft. In the Heisman conversation, however, UCLA Football‘s junior QB has not been looked on so favorably in the young season.

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ESPN’s experts have him at the bottom of the Heisman watch list, with one single fifth place vote keeping him on the board. This begs the question, if the best quarterback prospect is barely in the conversation for top player in the country, what does one have to do to win the Heisman?

The Stats

When it comes to slinging the ball, there are few in the NCAA who can match Rosen. He leads college football in passing yards with 2,135, and in passing touchdowns with 17. Slot receiver Darren Andrews has found the end zone more than any other UCLA receiver with seven scores, but Rosen has done a good job of spreading the ball around. Seven different receivers have caught a touchdown for the Bruins, with four catching two or more.

Rosen does has room for improvement as a passer. He still tries to make the big play even when circumstances don’t allow for it. As a result, he has thrown five interceptions this year. The top quarterback on the Heisman Watch List, Baker Mayfield of Oklahoma, has yet to throw a single interception all season.

Being able to run as well as pass seems to be a factor Heisman voters take into great consideration. Aside from Jameis Winston in 2013, every quarterback that won the Heisman since 2010 had rushed for 10 or more touchdowns.

Rosen, so far in, 2017: Passing yards – 2,135 (1st in NCAA), Touchdowns – 17 (1st in NCAA)

For a pure-pocket passer to take the trophy away from a quarterback that can put up double digit touchdowns through the air and ground, his team has to have an exceptional season. Winston only rushed for four touchdowns in his Heisman year, but Florida State went undefeated, and beat Auburn 34-31 in the Vizio BCS National Championship.